-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ollanta Humala , a left-leaning Peruvian politician who promises reforms in education and services to the poor , was sworn in as the nation 's president Thursday .

In his first address as president , Humala stressed equality , saying he wants Peru to be `` a place where everyone enjoys the same rights to abundance and happiness . ''

`` Economic growth and social inclusion must march together , '' he said of his governing philosophy .

He succeeds Alan Garcia , who oversaw a period of robust economic growth as president , but who nonetheless was unpopular and criticized for promoting business at the expense of indigenous groups and the environment .

Humala , an ex-army officer who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2006 as a leftist ally of Venezuela 's Hugo Chavez , reinvented himself as a more moderate leader .

He calmed markets and worries that his moderation was a facade to win the election by naming a Cabinet made up of political moderates .

The new president has promised to spread the benefits of Peru 's economic boom to the poor . He has cited needs to improve the nation 's infrastructure , water , sanitation and education , particularly in rural areas .

A number of presidents from other Latin American countries , including Ecuador , Chile and Brazil , were on hand to witness the swearing-in ceremony .

There was a small oddity during the swearing in of Humala and his two vice presidents , when they all swore allegiance to Peru 's 1979 Constitution . That document , however , was replaced in 1993 by a new one drafted during the presidency of strongman Alberto Fujimori . Humala defeated Fujimori 's daughter , Keiko , to win the presidency .

The slap at the current Constitution resulted in boos and shouts from members of Fujimori 's party .

Several times in his speech , Humala talked about the importance of unity .

`` Reality requires a new social contract that makes it possible for all Peruvians to live together , '' he said .

He added that he wants `` to be seen as a defender of human rights and of freedom of the press and expression . '' Other leftist leaders in Latin America , such as Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and Venezuela 's Chavez , have been criticized by press freedom organizations for clamping down on the media .

Humala promised change , but warned that it would not be as swift as his critics fear , or as some of his supporters desire .

To be lasting , he said , `` any changes must be gradual and rational . ''

In another minor controversy , the outgoing president , Garcia , did not attend the swearing-in ceremony to pass the presidential sash to his successor . Garcia , who was also president in a disastrous term from 1985 to 1990 , was booed and heckled by Congress when he bid farewell . According to local media , he decided not to attend this time to avoid another round of heckling .

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NEW : Peru 's new president stresses equality

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Humala is a former army officer

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He is a leftist who has moderated his stance

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He promises to spread the benefits of Peru 's economic boom to the poor